Trusted High-Asset Divorce Attorney in Redondo Beach, CA
A divorce that involves high-value assets can present complex financial and legal issues beyond the division of traditional marital property. A Redondo Beach high-asset divorce lawyer can guide you through divorce issues that involve valuable assets, businesses, investments, and executive compensation. 
Hire a High-Asset Divorce Lawyer
Kramer & Zitser, LLP represents clients in complex family law matters involving significant assets and intricate financial issues. Formed through the combination of two respected family law practices, our firm brings together over 50 years of combined experience and a team that includes Certified Family Law Specialists. Our Redondo Beach family lawyers develop strategic legal solutions tailored to the unique financial circumstances of each client.
What Makes a Divorce a High-Asset Divorce?
A high-asset divorce is one in which a marital estate includes significant wealth, as well as the possibility of complex financial or business holdings that require further review before property division can be achieved. These assets may include businesses, real property, investment accounts, retirement accounts, executive compensation, trusts, and valuable collections or art.
In California, there is no dollar amount or threshold that is set forth in law as to what constitutes a high-asset divorce. In many cases, the case’s financial issues and complexities make it different from a more traditional divorce. Careful financial planning and thorough analysis can help address these challenges during property division.
Dividing Complex Compensation and Financial Benefits
High-income spouses may be compensated in a variety of ways in addition to an outright salary. These deferred or performance-based benefits can take the form of stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation, bonuses, profit sharing, or a partnership interest. The question of whether such benefits are community or separate property depends on the unique facts surrounding when and why they were earned.
Pursuant to California Family Code § 2550, the community estate is presumptively divided equally, unless the parties have agreed otherwise or an exception to this rule applies. Correctly characterizing such financial benefits is an important step in dividing the community estate in an equitable manner.
How Business Ownership Can Add Complexity to Divorce
Business ownership can add a layer of complexity to a high-asset divorce because the value of a business might be considered part of the marital estate. In 2022, California had 3,502,950 nonemployer business establishments, the highest total of any state in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
A nonemployer business, which could be a sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, or professional practice, is among the many types of business entities that could be subject to analysis during a divorce. Before property division can be accomplished, it is often necessary to determine whether the business is separate property or community property as well as determine its fair value, often through review of the business’s financial records.
Tax Considerations in High-Asset Divorce
Tax issues can also have a major impact on the result of a high-asset divorce. Two properties or assets may have an equivalent value, but very different tax consequences if they are sold, transferred, or withdrawn.
Taxes, such as capital gains, retirement account distributions, business transfers, and investment sales, can all impact the net value of property to each spouse. Thinking through tax consequences in advance of a settlement can prevent unintended results and make the parties aware of the full scope of the marital estate division.
FAQs
How Common Is Divorce in the United States?
Divorce is a very normal part of family law in the United States. The CDC reported 672,502 divorces and annulments from 45 reporting states and the District of Columbia in 2023. Each divorce has unique legal and financial matters that must be settled, and those with significant assets also often require additional planning as the marital estate grows in complexity.
Where Are High-Asset Divorce Cases Filed in Redondo Beach?
In Redondo Beach, your divorce will typically be filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, unless it meets certain California jurisdiction and venue requirements to be filed elsewhere. The exact court within the county in which your case is assigned may also be determined based on your local county court’s filing rules and administrative procedures.
Will My Divorce Become Part of the Public Record?
Most paperwork filed in a California divorce is public record, but certain financial information or documents may have additional privacy protections under the law. Privacy is a common concern for high-net-worth individuals. Divorce cases can include a significant amount of financial information, and it’s important to know what may become part of the public record as your case progresses.
Can a Divorce Settlement Be Changed After It Is Final?
Yes, the terms of a finalized divorce can sometimes be revisited. In some cases, certain orders can be modified if allowed by California law and the legal standard for a modification is met. The ability to make a change depends on the type of order being challenged and the facts of your case.
Can Social Media Affect a High-Asset Divorce?
Social media can play a role in a high-asset divorce if posts, photos, or messages contradict statements made about finances or become relevant to other issues being disputed in the case. Information shared online could be reviewed by the other party and, in some cases, presented as evidence during the proceedings.
To avoid unnecessary complications, refraining from posts about finances, expensive purchases, travel, or other sensitive matters during a pending divorce may be wise.
Contact a Redondo Beach, CA High-Asset Divorce Attorney
Business valuation, high-value real estate, executive compensation, and complex investment portfolios are only some of the financial issues that can arise during a high-asset divorce. No matter the specific assets or financial stakes involved, understanding your legal rights and available options is crucial.
Kramer & Zitser, LLP advocates on behalf of clients in high-asset divorce matters and other complex California family law cases. If you are considering a divorce or are already in the process of dissolving your marriage, a consultation with an attorney can help you protect your financial interests and plan for your future. Schedule a consultation to hire a high-asset divorce lawyer today.
